AUST Renews Memorandum Of Understanding With NASRDA

The African University of Science and Technology(AUST), Abuja has renewed the Memorandum Of Understanding(MoU) it had with the National Space Research and Development Agency(NASRDA). In a colorful event well attended by the management teams of both institutions at the conference hall of the Space Agency, the two organizations renewed their long lasting collaborations mostly centered on human capacity building and research. In his opening remarks, the President of AUST, Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS thanked the Director General of the Space Agency for the warm reception accorded him and his team. He congratulated the new DG, Dr. Mathew Olumide Adepoju on his recent appointment as DG of the Space Agency and wished him a happy and fruitful tenure in office. He reminded the DG and his team that AUST has come to renew the Memorandum Of Understanding which both institutions shared some years ago which had human capacity building and research as main focal points. According to him" AUST is a training entity and together with NASRDA staff, we have been able to train Engineers in space technology and other space related fields. NASRDA staff are our staff and so we have decided to extend a 75% discount to any staff or children of any staff from NASRDA who wish to pursue any degree course in AUST" Prof. Onwualu suggested a quarterly meeting between AUST and NASRDA so as to identify on time the challenges that may hinder the smooth running of the MoU and proffer solutions where and when necessary. Responding, the DG of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Olumide Adepoju thanked the AUST boss and his team for finding his Agency worthy for this renewed collaboration. He stated that his agency has over 189 doctorate degree holders who had traveled to many advanced countries to acquire more knowledge in their respective fields and expressed his agency's appreciation for the 75% education discount extended to staff of the agency. He called on the AUST President to join hands with his agency in the area of research maintaining that there is grant waiting somewhere for researchers in both institutions to tap into as part of the partnership. The event came to a climax with the signing of the reviewed Memorandum of Understanding by the two Chief Executives. Professor Onwualu was joined on the trip by Mr. Ben Okonkwo, Bursar, AUST; Mrs Murna Opatola, Associate Director(Operations), AUST; Prince Obioha Sampson Atulomah, Head, Media Services/PR and Mr. Solomon Ibrahim, Budget /Procurement Officer, AUST while the NASRDA DG was joined by Engr. Umar Sadiq; Dr. John Momoh; Barrister Issa Yahaya; Yomi Sikiru; Dr. Umoh Ukpeya; Dr Yubi Olatobosun and Dr. Balogun Bolarinwa to mention but few.